"Damon, I'll work with you," Airiana decided. "But from here on the farm. I'll put together a secure room. That way I know Max can watch over the children at the same time he's watching over me. I've got four children who need someone to guide them. That has to be my first priority, but I'll do the best that I can to help you."
Damon nodded. "Thank you, Airiana. I know it isn't easy thinking about coming back after all that has happened. I wouldn't have asked if it wasn't important. Even if Shackler-Gratsos doesn't have the work completed, it would be nice to have a countermeasure in place just in case it ever happens."
"I'll give you a list of supplies we'll need," Maxim said. "To beef up security around the farm."
"When do you think Evan is going to strike at you again?" Jonas asked.
"He won't wait long. He can't. He has to know either Russia or the United States is going to protect her. Even with a good team of experienced mercenaries, he'll know his chances of acquiring her will go down drastically if we have her under wraps," Maxim said.
"I'll make a few calls," Damon added. "My people will come out and secure a room for you to work in. Do you have any ideas where you want your workroom set up?"
She glanced at Maxim. "I have one. There's a basement below us, in the ground actually. It's like a big bunker. I wipe it clean every now and then just in case."
Damon gasped. "You destroy your work? Are you crazy? Airiana, you have one of the greatest minds on the planet. It was bad enough that you hid yourself away, but to have been working all this time and periodically wiping it out is just insane."
"I refuse to make weapons for anyone. I want to do something about children starving to death. I don't want to send a hurricane to Italy or Greece or tornadoes to the Middle East just because I don't like their politics."
For the first time Damon actually looked excited. "I'd love to see what you've been working on. Talking to you would be . . ." He trailed off, looking at his brother-in-law. He gave a little shrug. "Sarah is great and she understands me, and Libby's husband, Tyson, listens, but Airiana actually thinks like I do."
"She doesn't want to make weapons, Wilder," Maxim pointed out.
"Neither do I, although I do see the need to protect our country."
"You work for the Defense Department," Maxim said. "One would think they would expect you to come up with weapons for them."
I understand what he means. Sometimes my brain goes into hyperdrive and I can't slow it down and I make myself crazy trying to stop it. Having someone else to talk to, someone like me, could be wonderful. I loved the school I was in for that reason. I was surrounded by others who continually thought up new and exciting ideas and how to implement them.
Yeah. He got that. He didn't have to like it though. He wanted to be her--everything. He didn't want her to have to need anyone else, not even for her peace of mind--especially not for her peace of mind. He nodded slowly. She would spend a lot of time with Damon Wilder and they'd have long, animated conversations she would never be able to have with him.
Maxim.
There it was again. Her soft voice, just saying his name in that tone. So much love washing over and through him with just one word. His gaze jumped to hers. He sank into the blue sky. There were no drifting clouds, only the intensity of her love. His heart reacted like it always did, a slow somersault that left his throat raw.
You'll be with us. Remember. You're my bodyguard. I won't do this if you don't want me to. You're far more important to me. The children are more important. I learned the hard way about the things in life that matter. That's you. The children. My sisters and Levi and Thomas. All of us here. I don't need to do this.
She was so generous in her love and trust of him. All along he had wanted her to show him what love was. Real love. There it was laid out in a neat gift-wrapped package for him. She would give up the thing that made her mind calm. He felt her excitement at the opportunity to work with a man like Damon Wilder, but because he might be uncomfortable with it, she was ready to say forget it. That was love. How could he show her less?
Maxim shook his head and leaned down to brush a kiss across the top of her head. You work with this man, baby. It will help you when you think your mind is too chaotic. I want you to do it. I'll be with you every step of the way. When the talk gets too boring, I'll go play with the kids.
Airiana burst out laughing. You're just trying to get me to underestimate you, Max. I'm fairly certain you'll be able to understand most things, if not everything we say. How do I know this? Because you understood the concept when Theodotus was talking to me. You didn't need any explanation and you grasped the severity of the situation immediately. You can pretend you don't understand, but my guess is, beneath all that rough warrior skin lies a brain much like mine.
Maxim nodded. "So bring in your people to secure her workroom immediately. I'll get the list of supplies to you by noon. I want to consult with Levi and Thomas first just to make certain I'm not overlooking anything."
Jonas made a sound of pure derision. "The urchin diver and the art gallery owner? They'd know all about security, now wouldn't they?"
"Jonas, that was so sarcastic," Airiana reprimanded. "You know very well both Levi and Thomas know this farm better than Max could possibly know it." She raised her gaze to Damon's. "Now that I have children, and won't be helping out so much on the farm, we'll need to talk salaries."
20
MAXIM woke with the moonlight pouring through the bedroom window. Beside him, Airiana's eyes snapped open and she glanced out the window as well. He felt the instant tension run through her body. He put a hand on her to keep her calm. Siena and Nicia had both climbed into the bed and he didn't want them to wake up and cry.
He sat up slowly, making certain not to shift his weight too fast and risk waking the two little girls. Lucia lay on the floor wrapped in a blanket a few feet from Airiana's side of the bed while Benito lay on his side. He hadn't expected all four children to be joining them at night--every night. They definitely needed a sign as well as a lock on the door or they'd never get any privacy in the bedroom.
During the day the children spent their time with Judith doing art projects or Lexi on the tractor or inside the greenhouse. Benito hung out with the men and Lissa trying to learn everything as fast as he could about weapons and turning his body into a weapon. The boy was like a sponge, soaking up every bit of information as fast as he could. He learned quickly to be respectful of Lissa's skills. Maxim had learned respect for her as well, although he still knew little about her.
Daytime was the only time Maxim could sneak off with Airiana and seduce her. Fortunately there were many places on the farm they could go and be undiscovered. Their house was just not one of them. True to his word, Damon had men rebuilding Airiana's workspace, making it soundproof and totally secure. Maxim was going to be very grateful for that room if the children insisted on sleeping with them every night.
He didn't have the heart to force them to go back to their own rooms once they showed up. All of them suffered terrible nightmares, particularly Nicia. She seemed to do better when she was close to him. Lucia and Siena clung to Airiana. Benito was Maxim's shadow. He'd even had to take the boy aside and give him "the talk" about how he needed alone time once in a while with Airiana. That had bought him a few small reprieves, but Benito seemed to need to be as close as possible to him too.
They're here, Max.
I know, baby. We'll be fine. Everyone knows what to do. Levi and Thomas will know, just as you do. Lissa too. Thomas will get word to Lexi and Blythe. Let's get the children to safety.
His one concern was Benito. The boy had a burning thirst for revenge and he had taken very seriously to heart the lecture Maxim had given him--particularly the part about protecting his family. Maxim woke him first. He put a finger to his lips.
"They've come for Airiana, just like we figured they would. I need you to help me take the girls down to the safety of the secure room. It's been ready for a few days
, and Airiana's work is put away." She'd been locking it up to be safe in case they needed the room for the children.
"I'm ready," Benito whispered.
He not only looked ready, but eager as well. Maxim nodded. "Good. Once we're down there, I'm going to lock you in with the girls . . ."
"No. No way. I'm coming with you. I can shoot a gun."
"Right, you can. I need you to protect the girls. I can't do it, Benito, so I'm counting on you. I'm giving you a pistol, but if you leave that room, you'll leave them unprotected. I have to know I can rely on you."
Benito's face was a study in war. Part of him believed Maxim and the other part was certain he was being tucked away somewhere safe while the enemy came.
"I don't have time to argue. Either you're going to help me with this or you're not. I'm counting on you to be a man." Maxim pushed a whip of command in his voice, as well as a touch of impatience.
Benito squared his shoulders. "You can count on me. No one will get through that door to take them again."
Maxim nodded in approval. "I'm going to take the two little ones down the stairs. Watch my back for me. Let Airiana and Lucia down in front of you."
Benito pushed out his chest. "You got it."
Maxim nodded to Airiana and she gently woke Lucia while he scooped up the two younger girls. They moved together as a group through the house, in darkness, down the stairs to the basement below. No one spoke, but Lucia's breathing was too fast.
Maxim settled the two younger girls on one of the loveseats in the corner of the room where Airiana liked to put her feet up and stare off into space, presumably thinking. More often than not, they ended up making love, which he told her gave her even more to think about.
He caught Lucia's hands and looked into her eyes. "No one is going to hurt you or the girls or Benito again. You'll be safe here. Don't panic. You didn't panic on the ship, and there are a lot more of us to stop them this time. Just sit down here and read a book or try to sleep. Benito will shoot anyone coming through the door if they don't identify themselves properly."
She took a deep breath and nodded. "I want a gun too, Max."
"Sweetheart, you've only had two lessons, and the last time I took you out on the range, you shot just about everything but the target. It isn't safe yet. You'll get it down, but let's wait so no one accidentally gets hurt."
"Levi told me to practice more and I should have listened." She blinked back tears. "He showed me before you did, but I didn't like it."
"Lexi doesn't like it either, honey. That's all right. We're going to be fine. I need you to look after the little ones just in case they wake up. There's a small bathroom off of this little sitting area." He held out his hand to Airiana. "We have to go."
Airiana kissed Lucia. "We won't be long, honey," she promised.
Benito held out his hand. "The pistol."
Maxim pinned him with steely eyes. "Don't shoot anyone unless you have to, Benito. And don't leave this room. Once I'm hunting, I'll kill anyone I come across and you don't want to be out there."
Do you think we should say arrest? Shouldn't we try to arrest them?
Maxim wasn't going to dignify that with an answer. He wasn't a cop, and these men had come to his home to take his family from him. He'd lost one once before, it wasn't happening twice. He shot her a quelling look and she smiled at him.
So sorry, Mr. Badass. It was just a suggestion.
"Let's get out there. Benito, the code word is nutmeg. If that word isn't given, shoot. Do you understand?"
Code word? Nutmeg? Are you kidding me? It was all she could do not to roll her eyes. Nutmeg seems to be a favorite code word for you.
He has to feel important. I don't want him trying to follow us. These men Evan sent are top players. They know what they're doing and they'll be well equipped. Which is where you women come in. Thomas and Levi tell me you can handle yourselves when you're together. I need a good distraction while we pick them off.
Benito nodded, his dark eyes going fierce. "I understand, Max. I won't let you down."
Maxim couldn't help himself, although the gesture startled both him and Benito. He leaned down and brushed a kiss on top of the boy's head. "Keep them safe. Lock this door behind me."
Airiana followed Maxim up the stairs to the ground floor. The men Damon had sent had brought with them the supplies Maxim, Levi and Thomas had insisted they needed. It had been Maxim who had built the secret door into the side of the house where the bushes grew high and wild. He'd carved out a small pathway through the bushes were they couldn't be seen from anywhere on the property.
They rendezvoused with Airiana's sisters in the small bunker prepared in the center of Airiana's garden, just to the left of the gazebo. All of them had practiced for this moment hundreds of times, although only a few days had passed since Airiana and Maxim had come home. The men had worked them hard, not allowing anyone to go to work or do anything but go over the steps they would take when threatened.
Even if Evan's men tried to burn down Airiana's house, the spacious room in the basement would, in theory, still stand and the children would survive. Airiana hoped they wouldn't have to test that hypothesis. She greeted each of her sisters with a hug. Lexi shivered, but she stood her ground.
"We've got this," Airiana told Maxim. "Be safe. Go do whatever you need to do, but don't let anything happen to any of the three of you."
Maxim caught her face in both hands and kissed her hard. Leaving her wasn't the easiest thing he had to do, but these women all had enormous gifts. Each woman alone was a force to be reckoned with, but together, they made a frightening force. He stared into her blue eyes for a long moment, noting the gathering storm there.
Airiana wouldn't hide herself away, not when someone was threatening her family. Not when these men worked for the man who had sent the children to his ship to be abused and murdered.
"I love you," he said. The words came out husky, a voice he'd never used before, maybe even a little harsh. He'd never said them before, but he needed for her to know.
She reached up and pulled his head down to kiss him a second time. "I love you right back. Now go. And be safe."
"Yes, ma'am." Maxim left her to it.
Airiana turned her face up to catch the slight wind. At once the map of the farm sprang into her mind. The enemy had come in from three different directions. One group, at least five--I think I'm getting five--is coming in from the back entrance near the irrigation pond.
Judith linked them all together, the six women and the three men.
I can confirm that, Thomas said. I'm moving in that direction now.
How close are they to the pond? Rikki asked.
They're approaching it now, Airiana said, feeling the displacement of air near the pond's end. They're close to the small group of flowering trees we planted last year.
Thomas, stay on high ground, Rikki advised. Judith, remember Levi, Thomas and Max are out there when you and Blythe give us a boost. Don't be heavy-handed.
I'll do my best. You know when we're all working together it can be hard. Blythe will need to keep us toned down.
Airiana glanced up at the sky. Clouds drifted slowly above them, but with a little bit of heat she managed to pull water from every source into the clouds. Rikki lifted her hands, her fingers tapping into the air as if she might be tapping the keys of a typewriter. Airiana moved behind her, back to back, her own hands going up. The wind picked up, rushing toward the back of the property, back toward the pond.
Maxim was shocked at the authority in Rikki's voice. She was captain of her boat and she took it seriously. Apparently she was captain when she decided to wield her water talent as well. From his vantage point on the roof of Airiana's house, he could see Thomas crouched near a small grove of trees, waiting to do his part.
The wind hit the surface of the water, dipped low, and three geysers shot into the air, spinning fast, dancing across the pond, rising higher and higher. The twisters jumped from the pond to la
nd, spinning madly, picking up debris along the way as they moved across the land now.
The sight was a little disconcerting, even though Maxim knew what the women, as elements, were capable of. The twisters looked malevolent--alive--and bent on destruction. They raced toward the five intruders in silence while more formed in the water, springing up like mad, whirling soldiers.
Dozens more leapt from the surface of the water, spinning madly, bending toward the mercenaries as the group approached the far side of the pond. In order to get to Airiana's home they would have to walk close to the spinning tops of water.
"What the hell?" the leader snapped, holding his fist up to still everyone's approach.
Airiana, where are the others coming in? Levi demanded.
Airiana turned her attention from providing the propulsion of wind to the waterspouts back to the map of the farm, checking for displacement. Another group of five is coming in from the main entrance. They're about halfway past Rikki's house heading to Judith's.
I'll take them, Levi said. And the last group?
They're dropping down from above, right into the clearing where the gazebo is. Right in front of us. Max, are you under cover, they should be able to see you.
The men dropping on ropes from the helicopter were too close to the house and the hidden children. It was all well and good to give young Benito a gun, but he had no business actually shooting anyone. Airiana glanced toward the house, afraid for Max, afraid for the children.
I've got them, Maxim said, his voice as always calm and confident. They're in the helicopter, Airiana. Bring in the wind and slam it hard into their left side. Hard enough to spin them if you can. You know they won't be able to see me. I'm the shadow man. I'd do it myself, but I'll need to be ready to take them out from here.
Don't get overconfident, Levi said.
Maxim laughed softly. You take care of your little band of mercs and I'll take care of mine, baby brother. Lissa, are you ready? When Airiana brings in the wind, give me some fire, breathe it right through the helicopter.
Can you do that? Airiana asked, startled. She'd never really considered what Lissa could or couldn't do with fire.